… AND HOW THAT LINKS TO BACK PAIN

Your lower back really isn’t that far away from your head, is it? Of course, your pelvis, spine, shoulders and skull are all connected. So perhaps we can learn some lessons from the top part of your body, and apply them to the bottom part…

Most common headaches (that is, the not serious types – because any worries about other causes should be checked out*) are often a message that something needs attention, rather than that something is damaged.

What sort of messages are headaches trying to give you?

• You’re dehydrated. Lack of fluids causes pain in your head. This is a great example of pain that isn’t caused by damage – just like the one third of back pain that isn’t caused by damage.
• You’re stressed. Increased stress can lead to your body responding by causing pain around your face, neck and shoulders. Why? You might be clenching your muscles, or your body might be physically responding to your emotions. If that sounds like a bunch of woo woo nonsense, think about it. Tears are another physical response to emotion, or consider the physical pain of grief, or the shaking that can come with shock. Your body reacts to your emotions, and pain can be one way it might react.
• You’re run-down…your immune system is low.  Think about the headache you might get when you have a cold or flu. Not a damage, but a pain reaction. SO many people we have talked to have struggled with joint aches and back pain during and after Covid.
• You’re out of practice. Perhaps you’re sitting still for long periods, working long hours, or you’ve fallen out of your exercise routine. You might end up with a headache, or you might feel stiff. This is sore, but it’s not caused by damage.

Some forms of lower back pain can work in a similar way. Think of it as your body being a bit off and trying to tell you something. Have you ever thought that being run-down or stressed could be the cause of your back pain?

This form of non-damage back pain, which hasn’t been caused by injury or trauma, won’t usually get better through rest. Just like when you have a headache – you’re more likely to pop some pills and drink a big glass of water than sit around and wait for it to pass. In the same way, sitting around, resting, and protecting your lower back will not help this kind of back pain. If anything, it will actually stiffen you up more and keep your system down, which will do nothing for your happiness and stress levels… especially if you find yourself moving slowly, cautiously and less than normal.

But it can be hard to know what to do. How do you identify what type of back pain you have, so you can start to feel better? 

Let us help you work it out and, most importantly, find you long-term solutions quickly.

*10% of back pain does need some further investigation, whether that’s a review with your GP, blood tests or, in some instances, an MRI scan. 

Want to book an appointment or need a home visit? Visit www.westend-physio.com or call 0141 370 1256.